Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) | CRICOS course code 0101217

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (CRICOS course code 0101217) is a Diploma delivered by Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd over 20 weeks. This program is designed for students seeking to gain an Instrument Rating, allowing them to operate aircraft in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00296A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. The course covers advanced flight planning, navigation, and instrument flying techniques. With multiple delivery locations in Queensland and New South Wales, students can train at airports in Archerfield, Gold Coast, or Lismore. This page provides detailed information about fees, entry requirements, and the application process for international students interested in this aviation qualification.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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What you'll study

This Diploma falls under the field of Aircraft Operation (031505) within Aerospace Engineering and Technology (0315). Students learn advanced skills in aircraft operation, focusing on instrument flight rules (IFR). The curriculum typically includes topics such as instrument flight procedures, air law, meteorology, navigation, and human factors. Graduates are prepared for roles as commercial pilots with instrument ratings, capable of flying in low visibility conditions. The course also covers multi-crew cooperation and flight safety management. While specific syllabus details are set by Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd, the qualification aims to meet the training requirements defined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for an Instrument Rating.

Duration and study mode

The course duration is 20 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is conducted in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend full-time at the chosen campus. The program is delivered through a combination of theoretical classroom sessions and practical flight training. The VET national code for this qualification is AVI50519. As an AQF Level 5 Diploma, it provides a pathway to higher-level aviation qualifications or direct entry into the aviation industry.

Fees (indicative — set by Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$36,959, with non-tuition fees estimated at A$4,737, bringing the total estimated cost to A$41,696. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. For current and accurate fee information, always visit the official Airways Aviation Education website (www.airwaysaviation.com). Additional costs may include flight training materials, uniforms, and equipment.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 overall. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require a valid Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate from CASA (or recognised equivalent) before enrolment. Foundation or pathway options may be available — contact Airways Aviation Education directly for details. It is essential to check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website, as prerequisites can vary.

Work component

No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may still be eligible to work part-time under their student visa conditions (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks).

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at three locations: Archerfield Airport Campus, Archerfield, QLD (Brisbane area); Gold Coast Airport, BILINGA, QLD; and Lismore Airport, LOFTVILLE, NSW. Each location offers access to active airfields and flight training facilities. The Gold Coast campus is near a major tourist destination with a vibrant student community. Archerfield is a busy general aviation airport in Brisbane's south. Lismore provides a regional setting in northern NSW. All campuses are accessible by public transport. Students should consider living costs in each city: Brisbane and Gold Coast have higher rental costs (approx. A$200–350/week for shared accommodation) compared to Lismore (approx. A$150–250/week).

Student visa

International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in Australia for the duration of the course. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed visa information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

Is Queensland right for you?

Queensland is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, with strong aviation training infrastructure. The state offers a subtropical climate, diverse culture, and outdoor lifestyle. Living costs vary: in Brisbane (including Archerfield), weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–350; on the Gold Coast, similar accommodation costs A$250–400; regional Lismore in NSW is more affordable (A$150–250). Students can enjoy beaches, national parks, and a welcoming international community. Public transport in Brisbane and Gold Coast is reliable (buses, trains, trams), while Lismore has bus services. Studying aviation in Queensland means proximity to major airports and flight training areas.

Ready to start your aviation career? Explore Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) at Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd. Check the provider's website for application deadlines and entry requirements.

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Source-backed course facts

Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating)
CRICOS course code
0101217
Provider
Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd (00296A)
Course level
Diploma
Field of education
03 - Engineering and Related Technologies
Duration
20 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$36,959
Estimated total (indicative)
A$41,696
Delivery locations
Archerfield, BILINGA, LOFTVILLE
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative total cost is A$41,696, comprising A$36,959 tuition and A$4,737 non-tuition fees. These figures are from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. Additional costs such as OSHC, living expenses, and visa fees are not included. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website.
The course duration is 20 weeks, as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time over approximately 4-5 months. The program includes classroom theory and practical flight training.
International students generally need an IELTS score of 5.5 – 6.0 overall or equivalent. You must have completed Year 12 or equivalent. A valid CASA Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate is often required. Check with Airways Aviation Education for specific prerequisites.
Classes are held at three locations: Archerfield Airport (QLD), Gold Coast Airport (QLD), and Lismore Airport (NSW). Each campus offers full flight training facilities. Students can choose based on their preferred city and lifestyle.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$41,696 for Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (tuition A$36,959). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 0101217, offered by Airways Aviation Education Pty Ltd (provider code 00296A). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.